STRATEGIES
Develop physical stamina for working with children. Acquire appropriate certification
or licensure for day care and public school teaching. Obtain experience working
with children through volunteering or part-time jobs.
Demonstrate patience with children and the ability to work well with people
of various backgrounds. Develop strong communications skills to deal effectively
with parents.

STRATEGIES
Seek related work experience; particularly summer camps or special needs areas.
Learn to work well with all types of people through volunteer or paid positions.
Obtain Child Life Certification for some areas. Develop strong presentation
and public speaking skills. Be willing to wear multiple hats within an organization.
Learn how to write grants. Develop research and writing skills.

STRATEGIES
Supplement curriculum with courses in social work, sociology, or psychology.
Obtain a master's degree and appropriate licensure in mental health counseling,
social work, or rehabilitation counseling to provide therapy. Earn a graduate
degree to obtain most administrative positions. Gain experience through volunteer
positions or internships.

AREASEDUCATION
Teaching
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Special Education
Home Economics
Family and Consumer Sciences
Curriculum Development
Research
Counseling
Administration
College Student Affairs
Parent-Child Education

STRATEGIES
Acquire appropriate certification for public school teaching. Obtain Ph.D. for
college and university teaching and research opportunities. Acquire certification
for day care and parent-child education. Obtain graduate degree for counseling,
student affairs, and administrative positions. Find part-time or summer jobs
working with children. Serve as a tutor, peer mentor, resident assistant or
student advisor.

STRATEGIES
Earn a master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related areas for the
most opportunities. Obtain experience in advocacy. Acquire licensing or certification
for some areas. Volunteer in a healthcare setting.

EMPLOYERS
Organizations geared toward children and family including: Book publishers,
Professional associations, Radio and TV stations, Nonprofit organizations, Manufacturers,
Newspapers, and Magazines

STRATEGIES
Minor or double major in a communications field. Develop excellent communication
skills, both written and verbal. Submit articles or books for publication. Work
for campus publications or radio stations. Complete internships with related
organizations.

AREASGOVERNMENT
Social Services
Rehabilitation
Program Coordination
Research
Program Evaluation
Legislation
Advocacy

STRATEGIES
Take additional courses in area of interest. Develop strong presentation and
public speaking skills. Obtain specialized training for opportunities in protective
services or law enforcement. Complete an internship with a government organization.
Learn federal, state, and local job application procedures.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry-level positions.

Advanced degrees are essential for clinical and therapeutic counseling positions.

Master's degree or Ph.D. is often needed for administrative and supervisory
positions.

Ph.D. is required for college teaching and advanced research positions.

Additional or specialized training qualifies one for higher paying and positions
of greater responsibility.